Understanding Your I-20 Program Information

Sometimes the major you applied for does not match the major on your I-20. Before you assume that your program is listed incorrectly, learn about how CIP Codes are assigned and how your major is listed on your I-20.

What is a CIP Code?

Schools throughout the United States and its territories offer thousands of similar programs of study, but each have their unique program names and descriptions. The U.S. Department of Education (ED), which collects and reports data about these programs of study, developed the classification of instructional programs (CIP) to:

Map those programs to a shared understanding of what a given program of study includes.
Collect data from schools on programs of study offered.
Create reports on educational trends for use by government and the public.

The CIP’s comprehensive list of programs are broken into related categories. Each program has a name and an individual code, which is listed on your I-20.

(Taken from Study in the States)

Program Names: MNSU vs. CIP Descriptions

At Minnesota State University, and most U.S. institutions, individual departments are responsible for taking an inventory of their program requirements and matching it to the CIP Code that best aligns with the program requirements.

IMPORTANT: Your MNSU major may be listed differently on your I-20 than on your application. To ensure that your program has been added to your SEVIS record correctly, review the tables below to see the MNSU major and degree type, respective CIP Codes and Descriptions, and the number of credits needed to complete the program.

Bachelor's Programs and Respective CIP Codes

As a standard practice, I-20s are issued for 5 years for undergraduate students to allow enough time to complete their program without needing to request a program extension. Meeting regularly with your academic advisor throughout your program will help you stay on track to finish your degree program within a reasonable timeline.

Programs in bold text are DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs.

Programs are CURRENTLY BEING REVIEWED AND UPDATED.

(+) Show Program Information (-) Close Program Information

Minnesota State University, Mankato has completed a review of its Academic Program Portfolio. Updated program portfolio information is available on the Academic Program Portfolio Review page.

Program CIP Code information is currently being reviewed and updated.

Master's & Doctoral Programs and Respective CIP Information

Programs in bold text are DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs.

Programs are listed in alphabetical order.

(+) Show Program Information (-) Close Program Information

Minnesota State University, Mankato has completed a review of its Academic Program Portfolio. Updated program portfolio information is available on the Academic Program Portfolio Review page.

Program CIP Code information is currently being reviewed and updated.

What if I can't find my major in the tables above?

MNSU programs that aren't listed in the tables above are not eligible for I-20 issuance for one or more of the following reasons:

The program may be 100% online.
"Pre-professional" programs (ex. pre-med) are supplemental academic paths and are not considered a major.
Certificate programs are not majors and cannot be listed on an I-20.